Some desserts just have that instant smile effect—and this Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert is exactly that kind of joy in a dish. It’s light, creamy, fruity, and full of nostalgic flavor. Think banana pudding meets strawberry shortcake in one dreamy, no-bake creation. 🍓🍌
Perfect for potlucks, picnics, holidays, or just a simple sweet treat, this dessert comes together in minutes with just a few ingredients—and the result is a cool, refreshing crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes.
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Why You’ll Love This Dessert
- 🍌 Classic banana pudding twist with a fresh pop of strawberries
- 🧁 No baking required—perfect for warm days or lazy weekends
- 🥄 Creamy, fruity, and sweet with soft layers and crunchy cookie bites
- ⏱️ Quick to assemble and ready in just a few hours
- 👩🍳 Beginner-friendly—anyone can make it, and everyone will love it
What Does It Taste Like?
Each spoonful is cool, creamy, and layered with flavor. The bananas bring their classic mellow sweetness, the strawberries add a burst of juicy brightness, and the vanilla pudding and whipped topping give it that smooth, fluffy texture you love in a good trifle. And don’t forget the Nilla wafers—they soften just enough to become cake-like but still hold their shape.
It’s simple, comforting, and downright delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla instant pudding mix (3.4 oz)
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 box Nilla wafers
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 cup strawberry pie filling or fresh chopped strawberries
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- 8×8 or 9×9 inch serving dish (or trifle bowl)
- Plastic wrap
Optional Add-Ins & Substitutions
- 🍓 Use fresh strawberries for a lighter, less sweet version
- 🍫 Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce between layers for a twist
- 🍰 Swap Nilla wafers with shortbread cookies or ladyfingers
- 🍒 Add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a berry blend
- 🍨 Want it richer? Add a few tablespoons of cream cheese to the pudding mix for tang
How to Make Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert
Step 1: Make the Pudding
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 1 box vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
Whisk for about 2 minutes until it thickens. Let it sit for a few minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
Step 2: Add Whipped Topping
Gently fold in the whipped topping with a spatula until smooth and fully combined. This becomes your creamy pudding layer.
Step 3: Layer the Dessert
In your serving dish:
- Add a layer of Nilla wafers on the bottom.
- Top with sliced bananas.
- Add a layer of pudding mixture.
- Spoon over some strawberry pie filling or chopped strawberries.
Step 4: Repeat the Layers
Continue layering:
- Wafers
- Bananas
- Pudding
- Strawberries
…until all ingredients are used. Finish with a final layer of pudding and a few wafers or berries on top for garnish.
Step 5: Chill
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors blend and the wafers soften slightly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve cold with a dollop of whipped cream
- Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and banana rounds
- Sprinkle crushed Nilla wafers or a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top
- Serve in individual mason jars or dessert cups for parties
Tips for Best Results
- Use ripe but firm bananas to avoid mushy layers
- If using fresh strawberries, slice just before layering for best texture
- Don't skip the chilling time—it allows the flavors to marry beautifully
- Best enjoyed the same day for freshest flavor and texture
- To prevent banana browning, you can lightly toss banana slices in lemon juice
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 24 hours
- Not freezer-friendly—the bananas and pudding don’t freeze well
- Tip: If making ahead, wait to add bananas until just before serving to keep them fresh
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes! Just whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2–3 tablespoons powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Can I use banana pudding instead of vanilla?
Absolutely—banana pudding adds even more banana flavor.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, but it’s best served within 24 hours to keep bananas fresh and wafers at the perfect texture.
What if I don’t have strawberry pie filling?
Use fresh chopped strawberries, or substitute with another berry or a jam-like fruit compote.
In Conclusion: A No-Bake Crowd Favorite
This Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert is light, fruity, and incredibly satisfying. With simple ingredients and zero oven time, it’s the kind of dessert that feels like a treat—but takes hardly any effort to pull together. Perfect for spring and summer, or anytime you want a sweet moment without turning on the oven!
🍓 More No-Bake Treats to Try:
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🍌 Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 8 Servings)
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 42g
- Sugar: 27g
- Protein: 3g
(Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on ingredients used.)
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